Olota of Ota Secures Presidential Support for Ijamido Healing Stream Project

Olota of Ota Secures Presidential Support for Ijamido Healing Stream Project

The most Revered Royal Father, His Majesty, Oba (Professor) AbduIKabir Adeyemi Obalanlege (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode), Olofin Apesin Olode, Olota of the Paramount and Ancient Otta, Aworiland, is advocating for the preservation and promotion of the Ijamido stream's cultural and historical significance, particularly its "healing power." As a Professor of Journalism, Oba Obalanlege understands the importance of safeguarding this valuable heritage. He's taking proactive steps by collaborating with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to protect the site from gully erosion.

He noted that the Ijamido stream was paramount to the Ota culture and the people over the years, disclosing that aside its well-known healing power and potential to serve as both tourist centre and veritable revenue source, it is what the people traditionally use to solidify contractual agreement between two or more parties on any matter of interest.

The monarch made this known shortly after briefing newsmen in his palace at the weekend ahead of the a weeklong Omo Iganmode Cultural Festival scheduled to begin on December 16.

He recalled as one of the custodians of the Yoruba tradition and culture that his people from old also used water from the stream to fortify themselves against evil spirits.

He said: “Ijamido river is special because of its healing power. We also believe that you can use it(the water) to actually solidify any kind of covenant between two parties and we also use it to fortify ourselves against evil spirits. 

“Good enough, it is a cultural site, people do visit the place, although for now it has been ravaged by erosion, we are liaising with the Presidency to ensure that we get it back to what it used to be.”

The traditional ruler identified the uniqueness of the Ota-Awori Kingdom and the kingship, saying the “Olota stool is not among those established in the ninth or tenth century as it has been existing since time immemorial, dating back to the days of Orunmila, who came before Christ and visited Ota three times.

He explained that it is a kingdom that was never conquered, boasting a rich cultural heritage of which the people are very proud to associate themselves with it.

On the Iganmode festival, the monarch also advocated using the rich cultural heritage to redirect and instil in the nation’s coming generation, the values of integrity, respect, and community service, which he said, foster peace, unity and development.

This year’s festival theme is “Ota: The Beacon of Awori Heritage and Civilisation.”

According to him, the annual gathering of sons, daughters and friends of Ota – Awori Kingdom will serve as another platform to galvanize support for the kingdom’s socio-economic development.

He said, “The Odun Omo Iganmode festival embodies our commitment to preserving and promoting our values, which prioritise unity, security, and shared responsibility.

“The festival offers a platform for fostering initiatives that uplift Aworiland and Ogun State while uniting Awori sons, daughters, and friends in a collective celebration of identity.

“The contributions from our community leaders, businesses, and residents affirm our dedication to maintaining Ota as a safe, inclusive, and prosperous city where traditions are honoured, and progress is celebrated.

“As we embrace the spirit of this year’s festivities, let us take pride in our Awori identity and instil in future generations the values of integrity, respect, and community. The Odun Omo Iganmode is a call to action for us all to champion our culture and stand united against forces that threaten our peace and values.

"May this festival ignite a sense of pride and unity in Aworiland, as we welcome all to our vibrant city."